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Still,
we humans do have a few "homegrown" defenses against UV rays.
Our first line of protection is the skin itself. The moment
UV rays attack, the skin begins to build defenses.
Stimulated by UVB's, the skin's outer layer thickens, making
it harder for UVB's to penetrate the surface. Scientists call this
process hyperkeratosis.
Sunlight triggers the production of melanin, the "tanning
pigment." A natural tan protects the skin's vulnerable lower layers. |
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Listen
up: Before you go out to work on your tan... Remember that tanning
is a form of "damage control." A tan is living proof that your skin
has suffered UV attacks. So tan with moderation - and never face the
sun without adequate protection! |
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Skin
cells have their own "do-it-yourself" repair kit that can heal
DNA damaged by overexposure to the sun. All through the night, injured
cells do what they can to mend themselves.
But if too many cells need fixing, the repair mechanism is overwhelmed.
When that happens, not every cell can be patched up. Some die off;
others survive in an altered state.
When it detects the presence of defective cells, the skin's immune
system springs into action.
Its mission: to destroy surviving mutant cells, so that they cannot
multiply and one day cause skin cancer. |
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Langerhans
cells are the backbone of the skin's immune system. These hardworking
"sentinels" identify sun-damaged cells so that the immune system can
eliminate them.
But as it happens, Langerhans cells are themselves extremely sun-sensitive.
UV radiation reduces the number of these essential cells and weakens
the ones that remain. |
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Keep in mind that all these types of natural defenses vary for each individual.
It may not be fair, but it's true: We're not all equal under the sun!
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As you can see
The skin's natural defenses are not fail-safe. Nor are they sufficient on
their own to ward off harmful UV rays. Especially
During the hottest hours of the day, from 11am to 3pm.
If your skin type tends to burn rather than tan.
If you're a kid under 12. |
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Even if your complexion is a champion melanin-maker, it's best to play it
smart and safe: always use a sunscreen. How to choose the right one for
you? That's a good question. Today more than ever there are plenty of solutions. |
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